12042010

Coming Eventsf

December 9Williams Community Christmas

Choir Concert

December 10Stagehands Christmas

Performance

December 11Festival of Lights

Williams Firemans Ball

Williams Cooperative VBS Pancake & Waffle Breakfast

December 12Arbuckle Community Christmas

Choir Concert

December 13Grimes Community Christmas

Choir Concert

January 29Knights of Columbus

Cioppino DinnerThe Williams Pioneer Review and Lloyd’s

Print & Copy Center will be Closed. December 22-27th. We will resume

normal business hours onTuesday, December 28, 2010.

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colusa countyharvests first olive crop

See page 7 for details!

b Volume 3 • Issue 25 a

By: Lauren miLLer

In 2007 Jeff and Debbie Charter planted 175 acres of Arbequina olives just outside of Arbuckle on Cortina School Road. It may seem strange to native Colusa County Citizens of an olive crop growing among

almond trees, rice, tomatoes, and seed crops. Three years after the trees were planted, they were ready to be harvested for the first time. The olives are intended to become extra virgin oil—a growing product and industry in the state of California. Mr. Charter decided to plant Arbequina olives after rigorously researching the olive oil industry. The pros of growing olives, it turns out, outweigh the cons. The trees require half as much water and fertilizer as an almond orchard does. Also, the demand for extra virgin olive oil is high, and California extra virgin olive oil is set to grow. These pluses, however, can easily be overshadowed by the up-front costs of putting the orchards in. “I had to go through the school of hard knocks,” says Charter. It costs approximately $5,500 and acre to set up the irrigation system, and buy, plant, and prune the trees. When compared to an almond orchard, though, the

olives mature and are ready to be harvested sooner than almonds. The return comes in about five to six years, says Charter. Mrs. Charter met me at the front of the field and dropped me off where the giant yellow harvester was finishing up a row. Manufactured by the Oxbo Company,

the olive harvester is gigantic. It drives over the dense rows of olive trees, where the trees are beaten by bows to obtain the olives. Mr. Charter invited me up into the cabin of the harvester, and I gladly clambered up the ladder. I felt like I was climbing up into an exclusive clubhouse. The brand new harvester is one of a handful of “prototype” olive harvesters. “They are backing us 100%,” said Charter, speaking of the Oxbo Company, “The engineers just left. They were crawling all over this

thing.” Mr. Charter and the accompanying field hand check the harvester for stuck branches before revving up for another row of harvesting. The harvester collects 90%-95% of the olives when the trees are beaten, which seems to be an awesome amount. But it isn’t as easy as the numbers make it out to be.

Continued on Page 2

Submitted Photo. Debbie Charter watches on as her husband Jeff Charter unloads a batch of harvested olives.

steelhead lodge bar & grillBy: Katherine craigo

Earlier in November, Colusa County Supervisors and staff, and Colusa Building and Planning Department staff were given a preview of the menu and the newly renovated and renamed Steelhead Lodge Bar & Grill (formerly Bert’s Steelhead Marina) at Colusa Landing. The property is owned and operated by Butte Creek Farms. Butte Creek Farms CEO Ed Hulbert said recently that this project continues the legacy of the Otterson family in development of projects in Colusa County. Hulbert added that the renovation is phase one of the 88 acre resort project included in the resort commercial rezone included in the Colusa County General Plan update. During the preview visit to the business, Colusa County Board of Supervisors Chair Kim Dolbow Vann commented that the focus remains on economic growth in Colusa County and that the county is fortunate to have Ed Hulbert in its business community. Continued Page 6Butte Creek Farms CEO Ed Hulbert is pictured with Colusa County Supervisors Chair Kim

Dolbow Vann who visited the business during a November preview. (Photo by: Kathy Criago)

2010 Christmas Guide LoCated InsIde!

2 December 4, 2010 - December 18, 2010 Williams pioneer revieW

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Pacific Gas & Electric Co. is rolling out a new rate plan called “Peak Day Pricing” in

response to a statewide initiative led by the California Public Utilities Commission aimed at reducing energy use during periods of extremely high demand. Large manufacturing customers are likely to see big jumps in peak pricing as early as February. But in response to requests by PG&E and agriculture representatives, the pricing program implementation has been delayed for some users. During those peak use days — from nine to 15 per year — participating customers who shift their usage to off-peak hours in the mornings and evenings when energy demand is lowest will pay lower rates. Customers who use energy during peak periods on those days when the grid approaches capacity will pay a higher rate. “Peak day pricing gives customers an opportunity to pay a lower rate when they reduce their energy use

during peak periods,” said Christine Cordner, spokeswoman for PG&E. However, due to concern from PG&E about the implementation of the support systems it will need to have in place and issues raised by ag users, the CPUC is allowing PG&E to delay rolling out the program for small and medium agricultural users and residential customers. Brian Cherry, the PG&E vice president of regulatory relations, wrote to Paul Clanon, the executive director of the California Public Utilities Commission, saying, “PG&E makes this request because the customer service online tools required before these initiatives are implemented have not been completed in time for a February 2011 launch.”

Mr. Clanon granted PG&E an extension to Nov. 1, 2011, for residential customers. Meanwhile, the CPUC also received a letter from the California Farm Bureau Federation requesting that the implementation date for the mandatory rates for small and medium agricultural customers be

extended to Feb. 1, 2012. Mr. Clanon also agreed to that date. One of the concerns raised by the farm bureau is that November marks the end of harvest and an implementation date of Nov. 1 may create barriers to agricultural customers’ analysis of impacts from the change. The peak day pricing could have a major impact on businesses, particularly manufacturing companies, said Robert Boller, vice president of sustainability for Jackson Family Wines. Mr. Boller’s concern is that the pricing could go up astronomically. Because the power customers will find out the day before the peak day, Mr. Boller said it is true some can cancel production or do split-shifts so machines are not in use during the peak hours, but the possible cost of the increase could be significant. Ultimately, said Ms. Cordner, eligible commercial and agriculture customers will be automatically switched to the peak pricing unless they opt out or choose an alternative program.

‘peak’ energy pricing looms for business

“Olives are really tough to harvest,” Charter adds. The olive trees are trellised in, like a grape vine orchard is, so if the great harvester derails off its path too far, the mammoth can easily pop several trees out of the ground very quickly. With this in mind, Mr. Charter keeps acute focus on the speed and direction of the harvester during the interview. The ride itself is quite comfy. The cabin of the harvester is climate controlled, and way up on top of the trees, the view of the countryside is incredible. Mr. Charter points out the monitoring screen. Today, the harvester was running at 1.25 mph, with 450 beats per tree. I feel like I am inside of a big video game machine: Objective; harvest as many olives as possible. In the next row over, a tractor pulling a trailer runs alongside to catch the freshly harvested olives spouting out of the harvester. Immediately following the harvester is a rig spraying copper onto the trees. The copper covers the trees’ fresh wounds, preventing Olive Knot, which can deform the tree and curb its olive production. Having the spray immediately follow the harvester is imperative. “We are taking a big risk today,” says Charter, as he peers up at the dark cloudy sky. The rain would wash off the critical copper spray. “But once you start a trailer, you’re kind of committed.” Once the olives are harvested, they must be shipped to the processing plant within twenty-four hours if it is to be certified extra virgin oil. The Charter Olives are

rushed by night to Cullen Creek Processing, in Sangor California. Considering the time and money, it is worth the risk to harvest until the truck trailers are completely full before the long haul to Sangor. With the threat of rain and the delivery time limit, the stakes to this game are heightened significantly. The Olive Oil industry in California and the rest of the United States is small but growing. Californians are wising up the health benefits and many uses of olive oil, and this knowledge is spreading nationwide. More interestingly, the California Olive Oil Council pushed for new olive oil standards by the USDA, and was rewarded them. UC Davis in collaborated with Australian Oils Research Laboratory to test extra virgin oils sold in California. Using the standards issued by the USDA, many imported oils did not pass. They are being blended with refined olive oil, or simply were not of extra virgin oil grade, but being labeled as such. The new standards do not inflict a penalty on oil manufacturers that do not pass, but according to the news release in the Olive Oil Times, the oil producers who seek the USDA certification will have a leg up as American consumers’ become savvy to their oil products. “(The California Oil Council is) about to put some teeth in this thing,” says Charter. If the new standards are someday enforced, U.S. Olive Oil stands a big chance for healthy growth. When asked whether he will expand, Charter said he will

have to wait and see how he holds up to his current acreage, and how the market develops. “We’ll see as we approach it,” Charter adds.

olives (continued)

December 4, 2010 - December 18, 2010 3WWW.WilliamspioneerrevieW.com

Headlines from our Past

1873SNOW 12 INCHES DEEP-

DEEPEST EVER KNOWN IN THE VALLEY

1877

DEDICATION OF ODDFELLOWS HALL, WILLIAMS

1878 BARGE GRAND ISLAND, IN TOW

OF SAN JOAQUIN, LOADED WITH WHEAT FOR JACK HART

SUNK IN SAN PABLO BAY

1886 LAST BRIDGE ON THE

SITES RAILROAD HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

Williams Farmer 12/15/1906

VINES NOTES. J. O. Banks has a small vineyard on his place southeast of Williams. Consisting of less than two acres, from which he sold $190 worth of grapes and raisins the past season besides supplying his own household. Mr. Banks contemplates planting out several acres to raisin grapes the coming season. The Cortina Vineyard Association has been organized and will buy and plant the Weinstock and Lubin lands southwest of Williams to wine grapes. The option was secured by Morris Jones, who promoted the new corporation which will be duly organized in a few days. Those who have signed the articles are Charles L. Schaad, Pat Hough, John a Ryan, W. H. Ash, F. E. Kidd and Morris Jones. The Stovall- Wilcoxson Company has a small vineyard on their extensive ranch, known as the Pulsifer Vineyard, planted years ago by the late Joe Pulsifer. This vineyard has had very little attention, and in fact, some seasons it has been almost wholly neglected. The crop was harvested the past year, however, and brought a handsome return. The officers of the company are considering the practicability of planting a large acreage to vines the coming season. August Schaad has decided to plant 120 acres to vines on his home place east of Williams. He now has a small vineyard near his home which produces large crops of luscious grapes annually and this fact demonstrates to him that the land is better adapted to the cultivation of grapes than grain. He will plant wine grapes and when the vines come into bearing he will be one who can be counted upon to go into a company for the erection of a winery in Williams. Judge J. P. Ashby has the vine fever. He has figured the matter all out to his own satisfaction and the judgment rendered is that he stands ready to join three other men in a sentence to purchase plant and cultivate forty acres to vines. He has also decided that the Thompson Seedless are the proper thing to put out, as they make an excellent raisin grapes and are fine for table use and have the necessary qualities for wine. The names of the parties forming this company and the details of its organization will appear in these columns in due

time. H. M. Goodfellow was one of the very first to decide to diversify his crops. He tried it the past season, by planting a small acreage to alfalfa and realized over $50 an acre from the venture. He has laid out seventy acres, which he proposes to plant to Seedless Sultana vines, beginning this season by planting out one half of the acreage. Thus Mr. Goodfellow will not only increase the value of a packing house, and this will benefit many.


TRANSPORT NARROWLY AVERTS FLOATING

MINE Mr. R. R. Allen has received a letter from his son, Gilbert S., stating that the Williams transport upon which were 6,000 soldiers, including himself, picked up a floating mine with its sweepers. The troops were on their way from New York to Camp Lee, Va., where they are to be demobilized. Without the mine-sweeper protection there would probably have a post-war tragedy to record of this shipload of our boys.

Williams Farmer11/23/1956

FIREMEN SECURE BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS TREE

A party of 25 members of the Williams Fire Dept. secured the Williams Christmas tree last Sunday. The trip to Goat Mountain was made earlier this year to enable the men to go “deeper into the woods” to get the tree. The tree was cut about 3/8 of a mile of the road and the tractor was used to haul it to the waiting truck. They left early Sunday morning after a heartily breakfast, cooked by Bill Boyes, Ellis Rogers and Matt Jauregui.Hal Stober and Ned Steele, who were to deliver the department’s dinner were two hours late. Reported by a reliable witness, (one of the hungry fireman) states that Stober and Steele got lost on the one-way road and would still be lost had not Grover Wallace and Clyde Gregory guided them to the tree site.The beautiful 35 foot Spruce is being held at Brainard’s Auto Repair until a permit is obtained to erect it on SR 20 the first of December.


MEET THE TEACHERS Scholar and athlete are a rare combination, but that’s Nicholaus Barbieri, Superintendant of the Williams Unified School District.Mr. Barbieri entered Sacramento School System in the fourth grade and continued his studies there through his junior college days. He entered Humboldt State College at Arcata on a football scholarship. In his final year at the college he was student body president and lettered in the four major sports, football, baseball, basketball and track, in addition to keeping his grades above a B average.His first teaching job was in a Carmichael elementary school

followed by a coaching position at San Juan High School. Mr. Barbieri was an Army private just eight months when he received a rank and was transferred to the Army School at Washington and Lee University in Virginia. Following his “hitch” in the

Army, Mr. Barbieri returned to teaching, filling a position of physical education instructor at the Preston School of Industry.Previous to accepting the principal ship of Williams Elementary School in the fall of 1949, he served as principal of the Cacheville Elementary School near Woodland. Mr. Barbieri proved

a capable administrator of the local grammar school and when the high school district and the grammar school district unified in 1953, he became Superintendant of the Williams Unified School District. During Mr. Barbieri’s time at the local schools, enrollment has shown great increase. The 207 students housed in the grammar school increased to 349, spilling over into the new high school and the old shop building. The high school, grades 9 thru 12 have more than doubled in the number of pupils since 1953. In ’53 sixty students were enrolled at last week’s count, the high school rolls listed 148 named. Mr. Barbieri has proved most effective in handling the problems arising from the soaring enrollments. In addition to his school activities, he is past President of

the Williams Kiwanis Club, active in the Boy Scouts, member of the Schools Masters and California Superintendant’ Association.Mr. Barbieri feels that teachers in the local school are “lucky” because we have the finest kids to teach and are faced with only minor discipline problems; unlike many teachers in larger cities. School is becoming more complex, according to the Superintendant. It requires more than the teachers to educate today’s youth, it takes the parents, too. That’s why Mr. Barbieri and all his teaching staff urges parents to visit school and attend school sponsored activities. Mr. Barbieri like his chosen profession—in fact he plans to remain in the education field at least another thirty years.

Williams Farmer11/16/1961

LAST RITES FOR GROVER WALLACE

The Williams Methodist Church was filled to overflowing on Tuesday when funeral services were conducted for Grover Wallace, 72, life-long resident of Williams who passed away Saturday in the Colusa Memorial Hospital. Mr. Wallace was born on June 2, 1889 in Williams and was a well-known and highly respected member of the Williams Volunteer Fire Dept., seldom failing in responding to the alarms. The activities of the department were his pride and joy and in all the years that the department has secured the community Christmas tree, Grover never missed making the rugged trip into the back country. He was also a member of the Williams Methodist Church and the American Legion. He was exceptionally fond of animals and was always accompanied by his black dog.

a THe NeWS BACK THeN b

PAT ASHContributorSacramento Valley Museum


by: Kim giffin

I recently had the pleasure of a slice of apple pie and a warm cup of coffee in Marie Spooner’s kitchen. What a treat! Marie’s pie reminded me of the pie

my great grandmother Eva used to make, just delicious! I admire women who are skilled in the area of domestic arts, especially those that involve the true heart of the home, the kitchen. These women are an inspiration to me and Marie is one of those women. Marie grew up with four sisters and one baby brother and told me they all helped to cook in the family home. Marie got her start making apple pies from the apple trees at her old home in Maxwell. Marie sold the apples on the corner in Maxwell and began making pies with the extra apples. Her story of selling apples out of her truck reminded me of the summers I spent selling my dad’s peaches

off the tailgate of my dad’s pickup. These days Marie kindly donates pies and homemade goods to various fundraisers for organizations including the firemen, water alliance, the Catholic school

and Elks. Marie enjoys entering baked goods and canned items in the fair each year. I asked Marie what her favorite things to bake for the holidays are and she said fruit cake and bourbon cake are among her favorites. Her favorite kitchen tool is her Cuisinart processor. Marie keeps summer and winter gardens and has a pantry brimming with canned jams, jellies, pickled vegetables and colorful fruit. I came home from my visit to Marie’s house with a jar of tasty pepper jam and a smile on my face that could only come from spending time with such a sweet, humble, inspirational lady. If you know Marie I am sure you will

agree she is sugar and spice and everything nice!

a Heart of the Home bmarie’s kitchen

Eliminate unpopped popcornDon't you just hate the kernels of popcorn that are left at the bot-tom of the bowl? Eliminate the popcorn duds by keeping your unpopped supply in the freezer.

Remove wax from candle-sticks

Grandma's heirloom silver can-dlesticks will get a new life if you place them in the freezer and then pick off the accumulated wax drippings. But don't do this if your candlesticks are made from more than one type of metal. The metals can expand and contract at different rates and damage the candlesticks.

Extend candle lifePlace candles in the freezer for at least two hours before burning. They will last longer.

Unstick photos

Picture this: Water spills on a batch of photographs, causing them to stick together. If you pull them apart, your pictures will be ruined. Don't be so hasty. Stick them in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Then use a butter knife to gingerly separate the photos. If they don't come free, place them back in the freezer. This works for envelopes and stamps too.

Clean a potYour favorite pot has been left on the stove too long, and now you've got a burned-on mess to clean up. Place the pot in the freezer for a couple of hours. When the burned food becomes frozen, it will be easier to remove.

Remove odorsGot a musty-smelling book or a plastic container with a fish odor? Place them in the freezer overnight. By morning they'll

be fresh again. This works with almost any other small item that has a bad smell you want to get rid of.

6 alternate uses for your freezer

FRee VoCatIonaL edUCatIon CLassesGet prepared for offi ce-related employment by improving

or learning skills through the following classes:

Accounting Principles & PracticesMonday – Friday

Offi ce Education LaboratoryMonday – Friday

Learn the basic accounting cycle (debits/• credits, T accounts, chart of accounts); learn how to use journals, ledgers, post various types of transactions (banking, petty cash, payroll, sales)Use a 10-key calculator to build speed/• accuracy and complete business math exercises.Learn how to build company fi les and • post transactions using computerized accounting software (Quickbooks).

Become familiar with keyboard • and build typing speed using typing program.Learn how to create various documents • using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Learn beginning computer usage and • how to navigate through the Internet and create e-mail.Learn how to use other offi ce • equipment.

All training is done in a hands-on environment. Two sessions are available: 9:00 to 12:15 and 1:00 to 4:15. Students can attend any session that works with their

schedule, and if seating is available. Classes are open entry/open exit. no Fees – CLasses aRe FRee.

Call 530.458.0330, ext. 10331 and ask for Cassandra for class availability and information.Classes are offered through the Tri-County Regional Occupational Program

Colusa County Offi ce of Education – 345 5th Street, Colusa

Fall is the time to plant bulbs. So, take advantage of the season’s cooler weather, and begin a low

maintenance addition to your garden. You really do get a lot of bang for your buck with flower bulbs. Compare the price you may spend on annuals, that don’t grow back. You can find bulbs at nurseries and garden shops alike. Garden catalogs offer the largest selections of bulbs. Mail order and internet companies abound, as do the many types of flowers around. Here’s a detail of tried and true favorites for Colusa County.

Daffodils - Top favorite. Daffodils love our weather and our soil, multiply like mad, and require no care at all. Daffodils look great planted in masses.

Plant in clumps if mixed in your flowerbeds. Daffodils like full sun and well drained soil. Let the foliage die down naturally in the summer for best results. Colors aren’t just yellow anymore: pinks, oranges, bi-colored, white and even doubles and dwarfs are in today’s mixes.

Narcissus - Commonly known as paperwhites, and are related to daffodils. Narcissus are multi-flowered and highly scented, and can be potted and brought indoors.

Hyacinth – Unbelievable fragrance and intense colors: white, pink, red, purple, blue, lavender and more. Hyacinths stay below 12 inches tall.

Ranunculus – An all time favorite of mine! Easy to grow, Ranunculus

grow about 2 feet tall. Awesome colors with tissue paper-like petals. Keep spent blooms cut off for continued blooming.

Oriental Lilies – Exotic colors, mostly tall. A florist’s favorite. Very fragrant, and may need staking. Oriental Lilies grow best out of the wind, so plant against a fence if possible.

Dutch Iris – Tall blue, yellow, white and purple, make incredible cut flowers and are easy to grow.

Anenomes – short and colorful groundcover type plants. Bulbs look like dirt clods. Bright red, white and blue combination blooms.

Crocus – short, like miniature tulips, grow between rocks and in clumps. Grass like foliage spreads nicely between stepping stones and as a ground cover.

Grape Hyacinth – miniature muscari, ideal for borders and rock gardens. Mix with other bulbs. Stays short with attractive foliage after blooming. Many unusual combinations of blues, purples, and white.

Too many types of bulbs exist to list here, so try a few for years of enjoyment and carefree color.

Tulips are not on the list. As beautiful as any bulb, they just don’t make the rating here in our harsh gardening environment. Tulips tend to rod out after the first year. Gophers love them and they don’t usually come back the next year.

Locally, bulbs are available at Griff’s Feed & Seed. For mail order and online try Van Bourgondien 1-800-552-9996 or Colorblends 1-888-847-863

Do It Yourself Pruning Program

Proper tree care is actually as important as brushing your teeth. Pruning is more important when the tree is young to form its structure and shape. Many people wait too long and cut too hard unnecessarily.

The basic rules to follow are:

•Remove dead wood•Remove broken branches•Don’t let branches rub one another•Make space for each branch•Take out suckers (Long slender growth that doesn’t match the regular branches. Most suckers on citrus trees have extra large thorns.)•Allow for air flow through your tree. Clean out little limbs in the center of the tree. This keeps it from breaking up in a wind storm.•Walk around your tree removing limbs that hanging downward and any that poke you on the way by. Make room for traffic around your tree and raise the level of the branches accordingly.•Stand back from time to time and look at your pruning job. Keep it balanced and compensate for the fact that most trees grow more reaching southwest for the afternoon sun.•Remember to tip prune to encourage branching. Do not cut the top out of the tree as that usually is the worst thing you can do to a tree.•Last, but not least, the International Society of Arborculture states that crown rot is killing off perfectly good trees at an epidemic rate. This is when people add soil and change the soil level under the tree. This eventually rots the trunk, killing the tree.


a HOME & GARDEN b

planting flower bulbs nowmeans years of flowers ahead

by curtis pyle


Now being promoted at Steelhead Lodge Bar & Grill the establishment dates back to the unconfirmed history of an ‘old timer’ named Buckshot. Buckshot envisioned hunting and fishing camp on the Sacramento River. It is told that it was sometime around the turn of the century when Buckshot built the first cabin on the site, but it wasn’t known if the property owner ever knew Buckshot was on the property. The property had a succession of owners, all with the same basic vision. The goals were to build a hunting and fishing lodge along with a restaurant, bar and motel. Although a motel was never built on site, there has been a restaurant and bar there for some time. In the 1960’s it was owned by Ralph and Linda Moffett who named it Ralph’s Steelhead Lodge. In 1966 Butte Creek Farms was owned by Roger C. Wilber and Lee A Otterson. In the 1980’s the business was purchased by Albert and Lorene

Wheeler and the name was changed to Bert’s Steelhead Marina. The Wheelers’ operated the business as an RV/trailer rentals and boat docks businesses until 2005 when Harry (Bud) Robison and a partner of Reno, NV purchased it. Robison signed a lease with Butte Creek Farms and the name of the business changed again. This time it became Colusa Landing. In 2008 partners Curt and Linda Johnson joined Robison. The Johnsons who had fished on the Sacramento River for years had visions of improving the property and building up the business, but the closure of salmon season on the Sacramento River is 2007 and tough economic times in 2008 set them back. In 2009 Butte Creek Farms entered into an agreement to purchase the business from Robison. Today, Steelhead Lodge Bar & Grill is filled with guests enjoying leisurely lunches while enjoying the beautiful view of the Sacramento

River. Diners have a clear view of the River from the glass enclosed dining room or at tables on the outdoors deck overlooking the river. For now, the dining room is open only for lunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., with the bar open until 9 p.m. Hulbert said he hopes to open for dinner in the future. The menu offers a variety of items; many locally grown. Director of Food and Beverages Peter Jukusky, comes to the business with 15 years restaurant management experience with Marriot Corporation. He said that they are providing the highest quality food at a reasonable price. “Many of our items are grown locally,” he added. Some of the menu choices include a portabella burger made from locally grown Premier Mushrooms, the vegetables and the beans are locally grown when possible, the beef for the steak sandwich is hand cut, and the soups, salads and chili are all homemade.

Jukusky and Hulbert commented that they are fortunate to have a quality staff as well. Karen Barton is the bar supervisors, Bruce Bowman is the restaurant supervisor and Sara Barron is the cook. In addition to the restaurant and bar the business offers RV parking and truck and boat trailer parking across the road. “As we move forward in the permitting process we will add restrooms and showers on the RV and trailer parking site,” said Hulbert. Again, depending on the permitting and the rezoning process, Hulbert said the goal is to complete a boat ramp in 2011. There is currently dock space rental available and they anticipate offering fuel service by April or May 2011. The restaurant and bar at 3249 Butte Slough Road along the Sacramento River at Colusa is now open. For more information call (530) 458-4888 or visit the website at www.colusalanding.com

steelhead bar & grillcontinued

By mary faheyColusa County Resource Conser-

vation District

According to the California Invasive Plant Council, invasive weeds cost California

$82 Million each year just for control efforts, monitoring and outreach. Estimates of actual impacts of invasive weeds reach into the billions of dollars. Invasive weeds are defined as non-native plants that are able to grow unassisted in our natural areas and have a negative impact on these places by causing economic harm, environmental harm or harm to human health. In California, invasive weeds interfere with ranching, farming, recreation, and habitat conservation. The effects on our

natural resources include: increased wildfire potential, reduced water resources, accelerated erosion and flooding, threats to wildlife habitat and degraded range and crop land. There are several ways that invasive weeds are introduced and spread. Seed from invasive weeds can travel via wind, water, vehicle tires, clothing, and animal activity. Plants and seeds can travel across states and countries on automobiles, planes, trains and ships. Sometimes, invasive species are introduced purposefully and then they spread accidentally. An example would be a homeowner who unknowingly plants an invasive weed in their landscape. From that one plant, an invasion can begin through seed dispersion and/or underground

shoots. Invasive weeds are able to thrive because they usually have no natural predators, they are very adaptable to new environments, and they grow and spread aggressively, outcompeting native species. In the Colusa Basin Watershed, which spans the counties of Colusa, Glenn and Yolo, several invasive species have taken root. Of particular concern are the following: Giant Reed (Arundo donax), Salt Cedar (Tamarisk ramosissima), Perennial Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), Yellow Starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), Barbed Goat Grass (Aegilops triuncialis), Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and Purple Starthistle (Centaurea calcitrapa). The first and best line of defense is to learn to identify these

invaders so you can monitor for them and remove them immediately. Other strategies to control the spread of invasive weeds include being wary of what you plant in your landscape (never plant an invasive plant), working to restore native species populations, and sharing your knowledge of invasive weeds with family, friends, neighbors and local schools.

For more information on invasive weeds and their impact on our natural resources, visit the Colusa County Resource Conservation District website at www.colusarcd.org and click on our “projects” page, or the California Invasive Plant Council website at www.cal-ipc.org.

invasive weeds: getting to the root of the problem


CATHOLIC CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION

627 8th Street Williams “Meet & Greet Coffee Club” Every Third Sunday of the Month after 9:30 a.m. Mass Join us for refreshments and conversation

• WILLIAMS COMMUNITY CENTER ASSOCIATION

ACTIVITIESVeteran’s Hall. 9th & ‘C’ Street. Williams, CA. MONDAY NIGHT BINGO: Everyone Welcome!Early Bird Games Starting Time at 6:00 P.M. Regular Games Begin at 6:30 P.M. WE WILL NOT BE PLAYING ON 5TH MONDAYS THIS YEAR0. Refreshments Available at Reasonable Prices, Home Made Desserts. There will be no BINGO in the Month of December! See you all next year! Game Day: No Game day in the month of December! See you January 19, 2011! Movie Day: No Movie day in the months of November or December! See you January 26, 2011! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

• CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Meets every Friday night at 6:30 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church (north annex building) at 4th & Jay Streets in Colusa. CELEBRATE RECOVERY is a free program that addresses issues of alcoholism, codependency, drug addiction, and other hurts, habits and hang ups. CELEBRATE RECOVERY is open to anyone who is experiencing pain, brokenness, or just wants support and encouragement. We are an anonymous program. For further information, please call 458-2802.

• MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN

YOUR COMMUNITY The citizens for a better Williams hold meetings the 4th Thursday of every month beginning at 6:00pm. meetings are held at the Williams City Hall, everyone is welcome!!

• PACIFIC FLYWAY QUILTERS

The county’s quilt guild. monthly meetings will be held the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Meeting starts at 7:00pm located at the Colusa Masonic Hall 311- 5th street.

• CALLING ALL WOMEN OF

AGRICULTURE Are you a woman dedicated to the survival of Agriculture? Unite as “California Women for Agriculture” (CWA) promote, and educate the importance of Agriculture. Meetings are held the 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM. For more Information, contact Melodie Johnson at (530) 458-5130.

• ARBUCKLE REVITALIzATION

COMMITTEEBecome involved in your community. The month ARC Meetings are held the 1st Tuesday of every month at the ARC /APRD office 309 5th Street, Arbuckle.

• Master Gardener

applications are available

The Colusa County Master Gardener program is now accepting applications for the 2011 class starting in January. Master Gardeners are volunteers that provide public education in home gardening and basic horticulture. While the intent of the program is to provide service at little or no cost to the public, there is a fee of $150 for training new volunteers. For more information, pick up an application at the UCCE office (100 Sunrise Blvd., Ste E, Colusa) or the Farm Bureau office (530 Market St., Colusa) or any Master Gardener event. Applications are also available on-line at http://cecolusa.ucdavis.edu

• CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY

CHOIR CONCERT The annual Christmas Concert presented by the Community Choir will be performed three times this year. The first performance will be on Thursday, December 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Parkside United Methodist Church located at 936 G St. in Williams. The Arbuckle United Methodist Church located at 9th and Pendleton in Arbuckle will host the second performance at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12. The final concert will be presented in Grimes at 7 p.m. at the Grimes Community Church located on Main Street on Monday, December 13. The Community Choir is composed of individuals from many different parts of Colusa County and is directed by Jody Bowker of Arbuckle. The choir accompanist on piano is Jean Malcom of Grimes and instrumentalists are Ken Bertinoia, guitarist from Winters, Katie Airhart, flutiest and Curtis Pyle, percussionist from Arbuckle and Ron Simmons from Williams on trumpet. The public is invited to any of the free performances. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season by listening to beautiful music which is presented by singers and musicians who give of their time and talent to make your holiday season more enjoyable.

• WILLIAMS ADULT

BASKETBALLCity of Williams is starting an adult basketball program starting Sunday, January 2nd. Cost is $20, for Williams residents and $30 for out of City residents. Cost includes jersey. Williams has 4 teams and is looking for 2 more teams limited to 12 players. Deadline is Dec 15th. Contact M. Cruz at Williams City Hall for team rosters. Her e-mail is [email protected]. Games will be held at Williams High School Gym at 4,5, 6 and 7pm every Sunday night.

• WILLIAMS COOPERATIVE VBSWilliams Cooperative VBS Pancake & Waffle Breakfast Saturday December 11, 2010 7 am - 12 noon. at the Williams Community Church. 315 Ninth Street. Williams, CA. Adults $4, Children (age 4 -10) $2

• children’s story tiMe

Storytime for children has resumed for the year at the Colusa branch of the Colusa County Library, 738

Market St. Storytime occurs every Thursday evening, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Participants will hear stories, make crafts and more. For more information, call Nancy at 458-0373.

•colusa Grief support

offeredMcNary-Moore Funeral Service of Colusa sponsors a free grief support group at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 511 Oak St., Colusa. For information, 458-2111.

• KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

COUNCIL #14112 4TH ANNUAL CIOPPINO DINNER

The Knight of Columbus (Maxwell, Williams, Arbuckle Council #14112) presents its fourth annual fundraiser Cioppino Dinner on Saturday, January 29, 2011 the the Arbuckle Fire Hall from 3pm to 6pm (BBQ Tri-Tip is offered as an alternative.The dinner includes dessert, beverages, and all the trimmings. There will be a door prize, fun and the music will be provided by Jerry Choate. The cost is $20 for adults, $5 for children 6-10, and children 5 and under are FREE. All proceeds go back to the community. For tickets or more information contact Frank Nobriga (530) 476-2872, Jack Pesola (530) 476-3397, or Jim Miranda (530) 458-7889.

88TH ANNUAL FIREMANS BALL

The Citizens for a Better Williams is co-sponsoring this year and it is amazing! The Dance will follow the light parade on December 11th and will go until 1am! Must be 21 to attend. Tickets can be purchased from a Williams Fire Fighter, Shear Class or any CBW Board Member. Cost is $10 per person.

•3RD ANNUAL WILLIAMS

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTSDecember 11, 2010. Registration begins at Redinger Park, 9th and ‘F’ Streets at 6:00pm. Carolers & Tree Lighting begin at 6:30pm. Parade starts at 7:00pm. Cash prizes awarded for winning entries. Entry forms available online at www.citizensforabetterwilliams.com. Don’t forget the Williams Home & Business Decorating Contest for a chance to win a cash prize!

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT TO:publisher@

williamspioneerreview.comor fax to: (530) 473-2524

a COMMUNITY BrIeFS b


Management Reserves All Rights. ©2010

Twin 5 oz. Lobster Tail Complete Dinner 8 oz. Prime Rib &5 oz. Lobster Tail Complete Dinner

Prime & Lobster

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$39.95

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$19.95$19.95$19.95

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We’re Easy to find! On Hwy 45, just 3 miles north of Colusa • 530-458-8844 • www.colusacasino.com

Friday - Sunday: 4pm - 10pm

New Wintun Hours

Closed: Monday - ThursdayFriday - Sunday: 4pm - 10pmFriday Sunday: 4pm 10pmy y p pClosed: Monday - Thursday

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l C lLobster, Lobster

The Maxwell Library, a branch of the Colusa County Free Library, is pleased to announce

the acquisition of 77 new hardcover children’s books through a generous grant from the Libri Foundation, and a matching grant from the Colusa County Friends of the Library. The Libri Foundation was established in 1989 for the sole purpose of helping rural libraries acquire new, quality, hardcover children's books they could not otherwise afford to buy. Since October 1990, the Foundation has donated over $4,600,000 worth of new children's books to more than 3,000 libraries in 49 states. Sharron Johnson, Maxwell librarian, is thrilled to have received the new books. She said, “The children’s books in

the library have not been updated in over ten years. These beautiful new books are a welcome addition to our children’s collection.” There are books for all ages, from babies to teenagers. Some of the books are bilingual English-Spanish, and there are also several Spanish language books available. Both fiction and non-fiction titles are included in the collection. Some of the new non-fiction titles include: Cool Stuff and How it Works, George Washington’s Teeth, Dinosaurs: The Most Complete Up-to-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages, Computer Animation, Redwoods, and Fire Engines Up Close.

maxwell libraryreceives new books

Noted Colusa artist Mary Ann Nation will sketch from 11:30-2:30 in the Colusa County Arts Council office on Thursday, December 9. The office at 430 Market Street, Suite C, is currently showing some of Nation’s oils ranging from Mendocino area seascapes to scenes in the Sutter Buttes and the Colusa County hills. Nation is willing to answer questions and to discuss her art as she draws in front of her audience. A plein-air artist who enjoys capturing the nuances of the scene before her as she paints on her

outdoor easel, she frequently shows in Colusa as well as in Mendocino where she paints and shows with a plein-air group. Her seminal training was with Bob Burridge at the Mendocino Arts Center. Burridge is a renowned artist exhibiting in galleries across the country and featured in national art magazines. All of the work currently on display in the CCAC office is for sale and she will consider special commissions. For more information contact CCAC at 458-2222.

artist to sketch in at arts council office

officers recognized at rotary

The Colusa Rotary Club recognized four of the Counties finest police officers. Colusa Officer Juan Perez, C.H.P Officer Paul Gullick, Colusa County Sheriff Deputy Steve Mullens, and Williams Officer David Soares - Not Pictured. Please read the story in our December 18th Issue of the WPR. (Photo by: Luis Barrera)

12042010

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